7/21/15

Summer is all about getting out, taking advantage of the gorgeous sunny weather and having fun. There are times though through busy schedules, that we need to just take it easy, relax and unwind. Maybe even take the time to reconnect with our families. Just because we play together doesn't mean we're always really together. On those evenings when the mosquitos are out to feast or those days when the weather doesn't want to cooperate with our summer fun, we can turn to games to keep everyone occupied. Not video games, real games. Games we grew up with and remember playing at the cottage, games we can sit down with our own children and teach how to play. This kind of family fun never gets old.

This summer, Mattel is challenging YOU to have a game-night with your family! Here are some great tips and tricks to make the most out of family game night:Prepare your space.Transform your everyday living space into a fun family game room! It's as easy as making sure there are enough comfy seats for everyone who's playing and setting up some yummy snacks for everyone! You could even put on some fun music to set the mood. Something upbeat but not too exciting! Doing even the smallest things like this will show the kids you take gaming night and family time seriously.Play a variety of games. We have a large collection of games from kids games to games just for grownups. During family game time it's nice to have a variety to choose from to keep everyone entertained and allow everyone to try something new. Start the gaming with UNO™ followed by Apples to Apples™ and finally how about a little Pictionary™. These games are sure to keep everyone entertained and gives everyone the opportunity to win at a new game!Disconnect to connect. As someone who is online almost all the time, this one can be a toughy. It's always a good rule to have everyone disconnect from technology during family game time. To get that real one-on-one quality time and not have attention spanned to the TV, tablet or smartphone. By disconnecting from technology, even for a little while, we are better able to reconnect with our loved ones!Have a blast on your next family game night! Learn more about UNO™, Apples to Apples™ and Pictionary™ plus other great family games by liking the Mattel Games Facebook page!Tell us, how do you connect with your family during the summer months? How do you make family game night at your house?

WIN IT!

Mattel wants you and your family to have some real Mattel Game time this summer. AME readers have the chance to win one of two Mattel Games bundles that include UNO™, Apples to Apples™ and Pictionary™ for your game playing enjoyment!Please fill out the entry ballot below to be eligible to win! Open to Canadian residents 18+ (excluding Quebec). Mandatory entry must be done to qualify. One entry per household. Ends August 3rd 2015. By entering this giveaway you understand the terms and conditions on AME. Your information will not be shared unless you are drawn winner in which it will be shared with representatives of Mattel. Qualifying winners have 48 hours to fill out a claim form including skill testing question before another winner will be drawn.

We have many "smore" desserts by the fire in our backyard. No one seems in a rush to be anywhere else. There is no internet by the fire = perfect! We can pull out a game board to the picnic table Again, no internet :)

We reconnect by spending lots of time camping, enjoying nature and playing games on those rainy days. We try to spend less time on electronics during the summer. We don't have a regular game night but do pull them out when it is raining. (Judy Cowan)

We have lots of time for family connection during the summer - it is my favourite time of year because our schedules are less full and we have more time to spend together. We hike, bike, swim, go for walks, go to the park, camp etc. If we get a rainy day we play games and read together. We also do a movie night once a week since we are more relaxed about bed time in the summer.

We love to go to the beach and park in the summer as a family. We also play the Memory Game and Candyland with our son who has a speech delay. It helps get the conversation going and he LOVES playing board games. :)